Photos and text by Enrico Minotti

 

I&´m dedicating this series of shots in Valle Spluga to anyone who loves open spaces on high. People who enjoy the beauty of the journey as much as the destination, who appreciate the changing of the seasons and their distinct peculiarities. The natural beauty of the valley above Starleggia never disappoints. We&´re in Campodolcino territory on the Alpi Lepontine slopes. Within this magnificent basin, spring is heralded by a rare variety of wild flowers typically in fresh, bright hues giving a sparkling and natural perspective to the landscape. In particular during the thaw in April and May there is an explosion of flowering crocus (Croco Albifloro), they are the joyful sentinels of springtime painting the meadows a heady white and purple. If you are lucky enough to have chanced upon moments of full flowering, which last for between 15 and 20 days, you&´ll be entering a very special world which gives joy to the eye and simultaneously lifts the spirit. I took in the splendid vista for an age, observing the meadows with their impressive mantle of crocuses as far as the eye can see. In fact even as far as alpe Cusone, a deliciously delicate blanket stretches out surrounded by patches of snow, with the magnificent backdrop of snow-clad mountains dominated by the imposing pyramid of pizzo Quadro. The vast amphitheatre of the valley is rewarding at all times of the year, but for me it&´s in springtime that the landscape shows itself in its most spectacular guise. The surrounding peaks are still clad with snow and ice in stark contrast to the valley floor, with the intense green of newlysprouted grasses having answered the traditional spring call by the expanse of crocus. A perfect floral pillow on which to linger in contemplation.